Staff report

Dwight Howard is at the forefront of free agency, and the battle for the All-Star center is about to begin.

The Houston Rockets will get the first pitch at Howard when team representatives visit the Los Angeles Lakers' big man in LA shortly after 9 p.m. PT Sunday, ESPN.com reports.

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The Rockets are reportedly sending quite the crew to recruit Howard. The entourage includes head coach Kevin McHale, GM Daryl Morey, owner Les Alexander and current players James Harden and Chandler Parsons.

Former Houston center Hakeem Olajuwon is also expected to attend the meeting.